Outdoor Life Archives

Don't make the same mistake that I made! Years ago I decided to buy a camera bag. I figured that I'd only need a bag large enough for one camera and perhaps two lenses. I had made the same mistake that many new photographers make by buying a bag that was too small. It was too small for the extra camera gear I ended up buying and too small for hiking as there was no room for a water bottle, food, or extra clothing. If you buy a small camera bag then you'll end up carrying two bags, your camera bag, and a backpack. A dedicated photography backpack is 100% more practical! Professional photographers or those just starting out need a backpack that can safely store and transport their camera gear. Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from. But it's essential that you find one with all of the features necessary for success. Main Features If you're taking your mirrorless camera on a hiking trip, make sure that you have the appropriate backpack to protect it from the elements. Without proper protection, taking an inferior bag could result in broken lenses or camera bodies during your adventure. When packing for an overnight hike or weekend backpacking adventure, it's essential that your pack has enough capacity to hold all of your equipment. Furthermore, make sure it is comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time and features a quick-access back compartment where you can quickly change lenses and batteries. The best hiking camera bags offer plenty of storage for your equipment, including a large internal padded section that's ideal for storing tablets or laptops. Furthermore, these bags have separate sections specifically tailored to the camera and other accessories - keeping everything organized and easily accessible. Another essential feature to look for in a backpack is shock protection. If you plan to take your gear on an adventurous trip that includes hiking through rough terrain, make sure the backpack you choose is shockproof; these designs absorb impact from rocky areas or ascents which could damage cameras or lenses. My Recommended Bags on Amazon My Top RecommendationLowePro (excellent)K & F Concept (stylish)Best for Its Price Size Outdoor adventurers understand the value of a good camera backpack when hiking. Not only do they protect your gear and allow you to take stunning pictures, but they also keep your hands free so that you can move more freely while hiking. When taking your DSLR and lens on a hike, opt for a camera backpack that is small enough to hold both items while being large enough to store other gear like a tripod, spare batteries and a water bottle. A 15-30 liter pack may be sufficient for short excursions while something with 50 or more liters is ideal for day hikes and backpacking trips. When selecting a backpack for photography gear, there are plenty of options to choose from. A bag with an integrated laptop compartment may be ideal for those who frequently need to carry around their tablet at work. Another aspect to consider when purchasing a bag is whether it can be fully waterproof. This feature becomes especially critical if you plan on hiking in wet conditions. A backpack that is fully waterproof will protect your camera equipment from the elements, so you can enjoy a fun-filled adventure with friends without worrying about damage to your gear. An ideal bag will have plenty of pockets for storage, including an easy-access camera compartment and padded laptop pocket. Another feature on some bags allows you to access your laptop pocket while keeping your camera out of sight. A zippered divider over the camera compartment makes it effortless to open the laptop pocket without exposing all your gear. The Osprey range of backpacks are ideal for ultralight hiking enthusiasts who appreciate having their camera with them at all times. They are very highly regarded among professional photographers. Padding If you need a secure way to transport your camera gear on the go, investing in a quality camera backpack is the answer. These bags are specifically designed to protect cameras and lenses from external elements while hiking or traveling; they can also be used for other items. When selecting a bag, it's essential to consider how much equipment you'll need and the space available for storage. You have various styles and sizes available depending on what fits best with your requirements. My Recommended Bags on Amazon My Top RecommendationLowePro (excellent)K & F Concept (stylish)Best for Its Price One of the most essential features to consider when purchasing a camera backpack is padding. A quality bag should have ample padding throughout to protect your gear in case it gets damaged due to accidental falls, as well as foam dividers to stop cameras and accessories from banging into each other. For instance, if you own both a small mirrorless lens and an enormous full-frame DSLR lens, it would not be wise to store them together in the same bag as this could cause them to bang against each other and damage either one of them. Protect your gear with padding that covers the entire surface of a bag, as well as multiple layers of foam dividers inside to separate items. Additionally, there are padded inserts known as ICUs (Internal Compression Units) specifically designed to fit into backpack interiors. Another solution is using a padded camera box like the Lowepro Creator Box. These containers come with customizable velcro dividers, front zippers, internal zip compartments and convenient "Quick Door" access for added convenience. These durable camera boxes can be incorporated into any type of backpack or duffle bag. Crafted from heavy-denier nylon with metal D-Rings to attach them to a shoulder strap, these cases offer superior security when traveling. These padded inserts come from brands like F-Stop, MindShift Gear and Peak Design and some even feature removable velcro dividers to customize the size according to individual needs. When hiking, the ideal padded camera bag should be durable, water-resistant, comfortable and lightweight. It should easily accommodate your camera along with any additional lenses, filters or hard drives needed for the trip. Ensure the padding in the bag is sufficient to support its weight as well as having a padded waist belt and shoulder straps for carrying ease. My Recommended Bags on Amazon My Top RecommendationLowePro (excellent)K & F Concept (stylish)Best for Its Price Weight When selecting a camera backpack, weight is an important consideration. If you're going on an extended hike, ensure your bag can support all your gear and provide enough room for an entire day of shooting. A quality backpack can make your hiking experience that much sweeter. These models can easily carry all of your equipment while providing comfortable support throughout the day. A quality backpack should include padded straps and a frame system to evenly distribute the weight between your shoulders and hips. While such an investment may be pricey, if you plan on carrying heavy loads it's well worth considering. When shopping for a backpack, look for one that is waterproof; this will protect your camera and lenses from weather elements. Some bags even come with hard cases to safeguard gear against rain, snowfall or debris. Professional photographers need a backpack that's sturdy and can withstand tough conditions. Ripstop nylon with water repellent coating will keep your gear dry and safeguard it against external elements. Furthermore, many high-quality backpacks feature a back stiffener that helps maintain the shape of your bag and distributes weight more evenly. This can be especially helpful when carrying heavy objects like DSLR cameras with multiple lenses attached. When organizing your backpack, look for one with multiple compartments and dividers. This feature will make it simpler to access all your gear when taking photos, as well as allow you to quickly switch out lenses or accessories. Finally, look for a backpack that features an integrated camera holster. These are perfect options for hikers who need to use their camera while on-the-go but don't have time to set it up beforehand. The Lowepro Flipside Trek 450 is an exceptional hiking camera backpack with multiple compartments and options for storage of your gear. The camera compartment can accommodate a pro-sized DSLR, three to four lenses, as well as a flash.